Proposal Filed To Regulate License Plate Readers

Arkansas lawmakers are proposing regulations on the use of devices that photograph license plates.

Democratic Rep. Nate Steel of Nashville and Republican Rep. Nate Bell of Mena filed legislation Monday that would restrict who can use so-called license plate readers.

The bill would also limit how long data captured by license plate readers could be kept.

The legislation comes after The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Little Rock police have a license plate reader, but don't have a policy spelling out how long the department keeps the data.

That means Little Rock police have an archive of license plate photos, along with time stamps and the locations, showing where motorists were at certain times.

Authorities say the devices help identify stolen cars and drivers with outstanding warrants.